When do Australia’s borders reopen for international travel?

Pre-Covid, Australia was a year-round holiday destination loved by Brits – for its crisp blue skies, gorgeous golden beaches and its wonderful wildlife.

But due to Covid, the island country’s borders have mostly remained closed to international travel and budding holidaymakers since the pandemic began in March 2020.

However, a glimmer of hope for future trips is on the horizon – as it’s just been announced that fully-vaccinated travellers from across the globe will soon be allowed back inside.

So, when do Australia’s borders fully open up again?

Here’s the latest news.

When do Australia’s borders reopen?

Australia’s borders will reopen from February 21, 2022, it’s been announced.

This will apply to international travelers on any type of visa, who can show proof that they’ve been fully vaccinated.

However, any unvaccinated travellers will still need to apply for an exemption, confirms the Australian government’s official website.

On arrival, it’s likely people will still need to quarantine for up to 10 days – possibly less for fully-vaccinated travellers. This may also depend on the state you are travelling into or travelling towards, as they may have varying requirements.

You’ll also need proof of a negative Covid test (a PCR up to three days before travel, or a lateral flow 24 hours before travel), and to fill in an Australian Travel Declaration – as well as providing the normal travel documents such as a valid visa.

There’s a full checklist explaining what you’ll need to do in order to enter Australia from abroad on the Australian government’s website.

Any specific entry requirements for Brits will appear on the FCDO website’s Australia page.

Entry requirements can change frequently, so keep your eyes peeled. Again, keep in mind Australia’s do vary from state to state. Currently, Western Australia is in lockdown.

Until February 21 rolls around, you’d still need to apply for an exemption to get into Australia from overseas.

This is unless you are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, an immediate family member of either category, a New Zealand citizen who typically resides in Australia, or fit to another specific category.

What about New Zealand’s borders?

As things stand, New Zealand’s borders are aiming to reopen completely by October 2022.

But fully-vaccinated Brits should be allowed to travel to New Zealand by July 2022, as it is currently classed as one of several ‘visa waiver’ countries.

Right now, these dates are just guidelines. They’re due to be reviewed again at the end of February.

On arrival, it seems that self-isolation will be required for 10 days at your own accommodation (rather than in a government-run quarantine hotel) – as will proving you’ve been fully-vaccinated.

For now, their government website says you must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to enter the country.

Certain limited exemptions are granted. You can find more information about those exemptions here, and visit this page if you do need to make a request to travel to the country.

Anyone over the age of 17 who does enter the country must be fully vaccinated, as well as having a negative PCR test result, from a test taken no more than 72 hours prior.

There is a legally-mandated 14-day quarantine upon your arrival in New Zealand, even if you are vaccinated – as well as multiple testing requirements, which you pay for (costs starting at $3,100 NZD or £1,600 for a single person) and must book well in advance.

Only a tiny number of territories are on its quarantine-free travel list – including Tonga, Niue, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tokelau. These visitors must be fully-vaccinated, too.

For further updates, keep an eye on New Zealand’s entry requirements on the FCDO website.

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